Shark & Tarpon Trip - Key Largo Wrecks
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Four-hour wreck and reef fishing targeting sharks and tarponsAll equipment, bait, license and light snacks included onboardSmall group experience with maximum six guests per trip
When you're talking serious fishing in Key Largo, you can't beat the action around the wrecks. This 4-hour charter puts you right where the big predators hang out – those deep structure spots where sharks and tarpon cruise looking for their next meal. We're talking about world-class fishing on some of the most productive wrecks in South Florida waters, and with only 6 anglers max, you'll get plenty of shots at these apex predators without fighting crowds.
Your day starts early because that's when these fish are most active. We'll run out to the proven wrecks and reefs where sharks and tarpon love to patrol. The beauty of wreck fishing is the structure draws baitfish, and where there's bait, there's big fish. You'll spend your time anchored up or drifting these hotspots, working everything from the surface down to the bottom. The vibe is relaxed but focused – we're here to put fish in the boat, but there's plenty of time to soak up the Florida Keys atmosphere between hookups. Your fishing license and light snacks are covered, but definitely bring your own cooler with drinks and whatever food keeps you happy. Don't forget that hat, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses – the sun reflects hard off the water out there.
We've got you covered with heavy-duty rods, quality reels, and all the terminal tackle you'll need for these bruisers. For sharks, we're talking circle hooks, wire leaders, and chunks of fresh bait that'll get their attention from way downwind. Tarpon fishing means live bait when we can get it, or cut bait presented just right around the structure. The key to wreck fishing is reading the current and positioning your baits where these fish naturally hunt. We'll be using everything from slow-trolled baits to bottom rigs, depending on what the fish are telling us. The wrecks create current breaks and ambush points that smart anglers learn to exploit, and that's exactly what we'll be doing all day.
Tarpon: The silver king is what dreams are made of. These prehistoric giants can push 100+ pounds and will test every bit of your tackle and stamina. Spring through fall is prime time, with the big schools moving through our waters from April to July. When a tarpon eats your bait near a wreck, you're in for a rodeo – they'll jump, they'll run, and they'll use every bit of that structure to try and break you off. Landing one is a badge of honor that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Bull Shark: These are the bulldozers of the shark world, built thick and aggressive. Bulls don't mess around – when they hit your bait, you know it immediately. They're year-round residents here and love hanging around the wrecks where the food chain gets concentrated. What makes them special is their raw power and willingness to fight dirty, using the structure and current to their advantage. A good bull shark will give you a 20-minute battle you won't forget.
Dusky Shark: Duskies are the gentlemen of the shark family, but don't let that fool you. These sleek predators can stretch 8 feet and know how to use every inch of it. They're more common in the cooler months and have this smooth, powerful fighting style that'll wear you down if you're not ready. Anglers love them because they're smart fighters – no crazy runs, just steady pressure that tests your drag system and your patience.
Spinner Shark: Named for their signature aerial shows, spinners are pure entertainment. When they're hooked, they'll launch themselves completely out of the water while spinning like a drill bit. They're smaller than bulls or duskies but make up for it with acrobatics that'll have everyone on the boat reaching for their phones. Best action is typically spring through fall when they're feeding heavily on the baitfish schools around the wrecks.
Shortfin Mako Shark: The speed demons of the deep. Makos are built for pure velocity and when you hook one, you better hold on tight. These are the sharks that'll scream line off your reel faster than you can believe, then come flying out of the water like a missile. They're not as common as other species, but when the conditions are right and the water's blue, makos become a real possibility. Landing one is a top-tier achievement for any angler.
Lemon Shark: The golden beauties of the shark world, lemons are photogenic and fun to catch. They're typically smaller than bulls but have their own unique fighting style – lots of head shaking and circular runs. What's cool about lemons is how they look underwater and in photos, with that distinctive yellowish coloration. They're more common in the warmer months and seem to really love the ambush points that wrecks provide.
This isn't your typical day on the water – this is specialized wreck fishing for some of the ocean's most respected predators. With only 6 spots available, you're getting personalized attention and prime positioning for every opportunity. Whether you're chasing your first tarpon or adding another shark species to your list, these wrecks deliver the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The combination of productive structure, quality tackle, and focused targeting makes this a customer favorite for serious fishing. Don't wait around – the best fishing days fill up fast, and you don't want to miss your shot at these legendary Key Largo waters.
This well-equipped motorboat is built for serious wreck fishing adventures targeting sharks and tarpons. With space for up to 6 anglers, she features everything you need for a comfortable 4-hour trip on the water. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting fish activity, while the fish finder helps locate the best spots around underwater structures. Stay cool with onboard air conditioning between fights, and the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive areas without spooking the fish. Navigation is covered with GPS and radar systems, plus VHF radio keeps you connected. Below deck you'll find a full kitchen, comfortable bed, and toilet facilities. The ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. Your captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, bait, and light snacks - just bring your own food, drinks, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for the day. License included so you can focus on landing those big sharks and silver kings around the wrecks.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the bulldogs of sharks - thick, aggressive, and built like tanks. Most run 8-10 feet and pack serious muscle in that stocky frame. What's unique is they'll cruise shallow coastal waters, even pushing into brackish areas where fresh and salt water mix. Summer months bring them inshore when the water warms up. These sharks are pure power - they hit hard and fight dirty with bulldogging runs that'll test your tackle. Guests love the reliable action and the thrill of battling such a notorious species. They're decent eating if you keep one. Fresh eel is my secret weapon for bulls - the high oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on the hook through smaller fish picking at it.
Carcharhinus ObscurusDuskies are one of the bigger requiem sharks you'll encounter, averaging 8-10 feet and capable of reaching 14 feet. They've got that classic shark build with gray-blue backs fading to white bellies and a distinctive round snout. These sharks cruise deeper waters around wrecks and reef edges, usually 30-200 feet down in warmer months. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag system with long, powerful runs. What guests love is landing such a substantial shark - it's a real achievement. While they're edible, we practice catch and release since they're slow-growing and take 20 years to mature. Pro tip: use fresh, oily bait like bonito or mackerel and let it drift naturally near structure.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemons are easily spotted by their yellow-brown coloring and stocky build, typically running 6-8 feet around our local waters. They prefer shallow areas near structure - think 20-60 feet around wrecks and reef edges where they hunt for fish and rays. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when water temps are up. These sharks are steady fighters that make solid runs without the crazy jumps of other species. Guests appreciate their unique coloring and reliable fighting ability. The meat's good eating with a mild flavor. They're pretty opportunistic feeders, so fresh cut bait works well. My go-to trick: fish near sandy bottom structure during moving tides when they're most active hunting.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the speed demons of the shark world, hitting 30+ mph and capable of 20-foot jumps. They average 8-12 feet and 200-400 pounds with that torpedo shape and metallic blue coloring. We target them in deeper offshore waters, usually 100+ feet over structure or in open water. Warmer months bring the best action when they're actively hunting. What makes makos special is that fight - they're aggressive, smart, and will use every trick including jumping right into the boat. The meat's excellent eating, often compared to swordfish. My advice: use 50+ pound gear with wire leaders and stay alert when fighting one. They're unpredictable and dangerous when boated, so have your gaff ready and keep clear of that business end.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaSpinners get their name from that wild feeding behavior - they'll rocket through baitfish schools and spin clean out of the water up to three times. Most run 4-6 feet and around 100 pounds with bronze-gray coloring. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water around reefs and wrecks, especially during spring migrations when they chase baitfish near shore. They're fast swimmers that put up a scrappy fight with plenty of surface action. Guests love the aerial displays and the reliable action when they're around. The meat's decent eating if you keep one for the table. Best tip: these sharks hunt by smell more than sight, so use oily baits like bonito or bluefish and don't be afraid to chum heavy.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though they can hit 8 feet and 280 pounds. Tarpon are pure muscle and famous for those spectacular jumps - they'll leap 10 feet out of the water when hooked. We find them around wrecks, channels, and flats edges in 10-50 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're migrating through. What makes tarpon special is that fight - they're like hooking a freight train that can fly. Most anglers practice catch and release since the meat isn't great quality. My tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. Keeps that hook from popping out during their aerial show.
Key Largo, FL